RESPONDING TO WHISTLEBLOWERS

Whistle-blower A term for someone who reports illegal or

unethical conduct to superiors or to the public.

In some cases, these actions are protected by law. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Makes it illegal to fire or punish employees who help authorities investigate stock market fraud.

Management’s response to whistle-blowing sends a message of company support of business ethics.

WRITING A CODE OF ETHICS

A code of ethics describes a business’s moral philosophy and gives concrete guidelines for carrying it out.

Forces you to clarify your own values and principles.

Helps resolve and prevent problems Provides some protection against claims of

unfairness.

Companies hire a compliance officer to handle these situations.

WRITING A CODE OF ETHICS

The code must balance contrasting qualities in an effective way:

Must be general enough to apply to many situations, yet specific enough to offer practical help.

The code should reflect your values but also respect the beliefs of those who will be effected.

The values can be idealistic, but the guidelines must be realistic.

Code of Ethics should be continually evolving without drifting from its core benefits.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Intellectual Property Is artistic and industrial creations of the mind.

“Possession” of these creations is protected by law.

The owners are entitled to credit and usually some form of payment when their works are used, especially used for commercial gain.

Artistic creations are protected by copyrights Exclusive right to perform, display, copy, or

distribute an artistic work. Applied as soon as work is created

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Patent Is the exclusive right to make, use or sell a

device or process.

Trademark A symbol that indicates that the use of a brand

or brand name is legally protected and cannot be used by other businesses.

VIOLATING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAWS

Infringement Violating a copyright, trademark, or patent

holder’s rights

Ways to avoid infringement Fair Use

Law for the limited quotation of a copyrighted work without permission or payment to the copyright holder

Public Domain Means the copyright or patent has expired

CONFLICT OF INTEREST/CONFIDENTIALITY

Conflict of Interest Exists when personal considerations and

professional obligations interfere with each other.

Confidentiality Can create a conflict of interest with employees

Sign a Non-Disclosure clause so when you leave the company, you are not permitted to speak, or reveal facts about the company.

Taking advice from inside information can lead to prison time.